The Role of a Podiatrist Doctor: More Than Just a Foot Specialist

In a busy cosmopolitan region like Singapore, it is common to find people with foot pain issues. In offices, you will see people spending hours standing and wearing tight footwear. Children carry heavy bags in schools, and older adults have different mobility issues. If foot and heel pain become recurring, visiting a doctor is necessary. 

For specific types of feet and heel pain, visiting a podiatrist is your best choice. Do not think that a podiatrist is limited to cosmetic feet and nail enhancement processes. They do more than that and diagnose multiple heel and foot health issues. Then, they come up with fitting solutions, too. 

What does a podiatrist do?

A podiatrist is a trained healthcare professional who can diagnose multiple foot, ankle, and heel problems in both genders. They are not exactly medical doctors, but they do have specialized degrees. 

Most podiatrists in Singapore work in specialty clinics, though some are involved with sports medicine centers, hospitals, etc. They cater to patients from literally all age groups, including toddlers. 

What conditions do they treat?

Professional podiatrists treat a lot of health conditions affecting the ankles and legs. These are:

• Muscle and joint pain affecting the legs and feet
• Nail infections in the legs, including ingrown toenails
• Foot deformities like flat feet and bunions
• Warts and skin growths
• Sports injuries affecting the ankles and legs
• Skin issues like corns and calluses

At top clinics like Feet First Podiatrist, you will find podiatrists offering such services. 

A focus on natural movement minus limitations

Unlike general practitioners, professional podiatrists focus on helping their patients move normally without limitations and pain. They analyze how their patients walk, move or run. 

They make use of advanced clinical imaging devices and technologies to record and examine movement patterns and irregularities in gait and reflexes. This helps them figure out the best treatment for each patient. 

Types of treatment they offer

Based on the individual patient’s case, top podiatrists offer a wide range of treatments. These include:

• Custom-made insoles, also called orthotics augment posture correction.
• Laser therapy to erase nail fungus.
• Paraffin wax treatment to tackle cracked heels.
• Shockwave therapy to treat cases of soft tissue injuries.
• Dry needling to treat muscle pain.
• Nail restoration for damaged and brittle toenails.

Apart from these, you will see top podiatrists advising specific foot exercises for their patients for better recovery. 

Preventive Foot Care tips

Trusted podiatrists treat various heel and ankle conditions in people and offer preventive tips to help patients. They offer children and adults gait and posture correction advice and guide them regarding the appropriate type of footwear. With periodic foot checkups, it is easy to spot such issues early. Podiatrists can spot early signs of flat feet and poor posture as well.

Wrapping it up

Most people visit a podiatrist when they can no longer cope with heel or foot pain. But you should see a professional when you spot recurring ankle and foot pain issues. Any change in your walking pattern and growth of corns or calluses are signs that you need a podiatrist appointment.